Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson said Monday they had given up tests
of a new therapy to treat Alzheimer’s disease, saying the treatment did
not measure up to expectations.

The final, phase 3 trial of the intravenous bapineuzumab therapy did
not meet targets for effectiveness in aiding cognitive and functional
performance of Alzheimer’s victims, according to the two drug giants.

As a result, they decided to end the program to develop the treatment, they said.

“We
are obviously very disappointed in the outcomes of this trial. We are
also saddened by the lost opportunity to provide a meaningful advance
for patients afflicted with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease and
their caregivers,” said Steven Romano, senior vice president at Pfizer
Inc.